Our Summer Vacation

It's a little late in coming but better late than never right?

(Beware, lots of pictures are coming in the next few posts!)

As the story goes....

Way back when, Grandpa Kemp accepted a 2 year assignment that turned into 20 years (at least that's how Grandma Kemp describes it). Thanks to that "2" year assignment, Bryan was privileged enough to be born and raised in the beautiful land of Panama. It is a magical place full of wonderful childhood memories and experiences for Bryan. So, every few years (after saving our pennies & frequent flier miles) we head to Panama so our children can get a sampling of the beautiful place where their dad grew up. If you ever get the chance to visit Panama, DO IT!! It's a great place!!

Now for the geography lesson...

Panama is the southernmost of the Central American nations, it is south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia. The Panama Canal bisects the isthmus at its narrowest and lowest point, allowing passage from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Panama is slightly smaller than South Carolina. It is marked by a chain of mountains in the west, moderate hills in the interior, and a low range on the east coast. There are extensive forests in the fertile Caribbean area.

The travel log begins...

Our little family enjoyed 10 fabulous days in Panama this past summer (June 14-24, 2008). We went to the beach, got stung by jelly fish, worked in the temple, played in the rain, did lake fishing & deep sea fishing, fed monkeys, took a tour of the locks, stopped by the zoo, took a tour of Old Panama, went shopping, renewed old friendships, made new friends, and had just a jolly 'ol time!! We feel so blessed to have enjoyed our vacation with both sets of grandparents. The kids LOVED spending time with Grandma & Grandpa Flores and Grandma & Grandpa Kemp!!

Stay tuned for more details!

Memory Lane

Bryan and Daniel were out running errands when they decided to drive down Memory Lane and visit the apartment complex which was our home when we first moved to this sunny city. This lovely little apartment was Daniel's first home! It seems like it was just yesterday that we welcomed our little angel baby.

I both loved and despised this gate.

It was great when it worked and a royal pain when it didn't!

We spent many hours in this swimming pool.

Ours was the apartment on the left, good 'ol number 236.

Our Future Race Car Driver

Jared has decided he wants to be a race car driver when he grows up. So for career day (during spirit week) he dressed the part. He helped adhere all of his "race patches." Don't they look great?

Mrs. Bunch, his teacher, made the comment that she thought he looked so cute! I think he looks absolutely darling!

Trip to Utah

We made a quick trip to Utah to attend Larry's graduation.

WE LOVE YOU, UNCLE WEDGY!!

the graduate

Larry with his nieces & nephews (and sister, Karen)

Kemp, White, & Mott Families




Recent grads & future grads



Bryan, Sara, Daniel, Larry, Jared, Aimeè

First Day of School

Jared was so excited!! He'd been looking forward to going to the "big school" with his brother for the last year!!

Jared & Daniel

Daniel the 3rd grader

Jared the kindergartener

Jared at his desk

For whatever reason I had a really hard time seeing my little boys off to school this year. My little Jared, sniff-sniff, is in kinder and my little Daniel, uncontrollable sob-sob, in 3rd grade. I can't wait for the fall break so I can have my babies home again!!

Daniel's Baptism

July 12, 2008

4th of July Flag Raising Ceremony

Daniel turned 8 years old on July 2nd making him eligible to participate in the cub scout program at church. The afternoon before the 4th of July, the cub scout den leader called Daniel and invited him to participate in the flag raising ceremony the boys were doing at the church.

Daniel was so excited!! Of course, Sister Haynie mentioned that Daniel didn't need to worry about having his uniform put together or anything, he was welcome to just attend and be part of the color guard.

Great!

Uh-oh, not so great?

Participate without a uniform? Not really an option in Daniel's mind, so off we went racing into town before the scout store closed. We pulled in just minutes before the store closed and quickly gathered everything a new cub scout might need. The store clerk was very helpful and incredibly patient considering I'd forgotten Sara's stroller and she was into everything.


Here's our handsome little cub scout.....

Our little boy is growing up!

Daniel & Bryan

unfurling of the flag



Getting a little bored, maybe?

Happy Father's Day!!

Dad is great!
Give us the chocolate cake!
~Bill Cosby

Bryan,

You're an amazing father. I love to hear our kiddos sing/chant for you when you come home from work, you inspire them! Thanks for being a great man!! We love you!!

Deuces Wild aka Attack of the Killer Wetsuit

We had a wonderful weekend supporting Bryan as he participated in an another triathlon. I have to admit, the Deuces Wild in Show Low is a family favorite. Our kids LOVE cheering Dad on!!

So, to the story of the killer wetsuit...

We got back from the tri rather late and quickly hustled everyone off to bed and stored the gear. After a race Bryan typically washes his wetsuit in our bathtub. Needless to say, a couple of hours later I wake up to check on the kids and totally panic because there's 'a body' floating in our tub!!

Pedometers

Just after school let out, I found some cheap pedometers in the dollar bins at Target. I bought one for each member of the family in hopes of keeping us active during the break.

Well, I'm happy to report the concept has really taken off. The boys love using their pedometers!! Hooray!! No summer couch potatoes!!

The Graduate

Congratulations Steffi!!

This is my sweet little cousin. Isn't she beautiful? And smart too!!

She was awarded a great scholarship!! We're so proud of you!!

Fathers & Sons

Our boys LOVE camping!!

They had a great time at this year's fathers and sons camp out.

I'm so grateful they have the chance to participate in fun activities like this.

Jared with his wonderful smile!

Daniel & Jared waiting their turn to join the game.

Bryan & Jared getting in on the fun!

Rain

Yesterday we enjoyed a rare treat...RAIN!!! It was wonderful. If I were a dog I'd have run around silly with my tongue hanging out.

Sunday afternoon fun

Don't they look cute?

Piano Recital

We've got a great piano teacher that our boys absolutely love! We're lucky to have a teacher who comes to our home, it makes things so much easier. The boys recently had their recital and did a fantastic job!! We traveled to Nancy's home (a couple towns away) for the recital. It wasn't your typical recital. It was outside and followed by a good 'ol fashion hot dog roast. The kids had a blast!! It really helps to have fun recitals because it helps keep the boys motivated to practice. They can't wait for their next recital!!

Tagged

I've been tagged a couple of times and each time I think to myself I'm going to do it. But then life happens, I get distracted and forget all about it. So, this time when Dacia tagged me I made a point of starting the post soon after I read her comment. Well, here we are a month later and I'm finally finishing it. Better late than never, right?

7 weird or random facts about myself

1. I don't know what it is about toilets but they are yucky. I can't stand it when the lid is left open. Yes, I do realize that I'm slightly obsessive compulsive about this, just ask my kids.
2. I love doing the dishes with my husband. At the end of the day when the kids are in bed, we do the dishes and chat, it's our thing.
3. I like watching Bollywood movies. Hey! They are clean, there's no foul language, no inappropriate behavior, crazy storylines, and totally random musical sequences. What's not to like?
4. I like my towels, sheets, pillowcases (in short, most linens) folded just so. If they aren't folded the way I like them, I'll refold them before putting them away. Yes, I'm a little OCD about this too!
5. I don't like carnations. Seriously, I abhor them. As a food they aren't too bad but as a gift they just stink. Why would anyone want to be given a bouqet of carnations? That's what the winner of the Kentucky Derby gets!! What am I a horse? Now, if I've offended any carnation lovers I do apologize.
6. I often break out in song at totally random moments. It's a habit that totally embarrasses my children. They probably wouldn't mind my singing so much if I could sing, but I can't. I sound perfectly awful when I sing!!
7. I love, love, love that Bryan gives me crazy, unconventional gifts. For example, a red wagon for Christmas, a tent for Mother's Day last year, a very cool LED headlamp for Mother's Day this year, and a cheese grater (which is still in my top 10 list of favorite gifts!). No worries, he does give "normal" gifts but my favorites are always the nontraditional ones!!

Who to tag? Decisions, decisions....how about Elisha, Amanda, Meridith, Jessi, Michelle, Heather, Jueneta? So you've been tagged, now what do you do?

Here are the rules:

1. On your post, link back to the person who tagged you - that would be me.
2. Post your assignment on your blog - 7 weird or random facts.
3. Post these rules on your blog.
4. Post links to seven bloggers that you will be tagging.
5. Go to those blogs and give them a comment on their blog to let them know that you have tagged them.
   

Got it? Good! Now I can't wait to learn more about you!

She walks?!

Okay, the truth of the matter is, every time she'd attempt to walk I'd grab her and put her back on all fours. (I'd even taught her brothers to do the same. Awful, I know.) Well, after her one year old well check the pediatrician scolded me and said I had to let her learn how to walk. I'm not that bad of a mother, really I'm not! In my defense, her brothers both started to walk at around 10 months and I just wasn't ready for Sara to "grow up" and see things from a different angle!! Needless to say, once we stopped putting her back on her knees to crawl, she learned to WALK!! She started walking sometime in March and hasn't stopped since.

Her crawling days are numbered...

Learning to balance...

Gaining confidence & getting into mischief...

She's playing with the big boys now!!

School Carnival

The kids had a great time at this year's carnival....

Fun times with Comet the Coyote!

During the carnival, the different grade levels performed musical numbers. Each grade did great!! Although, I must admit, second grade was my favorite!! I may be a little bias.

Daniel's favorite subjects in school are math & music. So, it was no surprise when Mrs. Murlless (the music teacher) came up to me after the event and said she loves having Daniel in class. She described him as being "a joy" to have around. We think he's pretty awesome too!!

Jenn & Jana did a fantastic job orchestrating the event. Our family loved the sign!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Sweetheart you are amazing!!

We love you!!

(This post is a little late, his birthday was on April 22nd. I kept forgetting to download the camera pics!)

Field Trip

Bryan was one of the chaperone's for Daniel's field trip up the canyon.

They had a great time!

Daniel & Maura are eager & ready to go!

Smile for the camera!

Hmm...interesting?

Taking a break!

The Self Feeder

Sara is very independent and LOVES to use her own utensils.

Daniel's Japanese Garden

Daniel's class has been learning about Asian cultures and part of their research involved creating a Japanese garden. He'd been working on it rather diligently and talked about it very enthusiastically at the dinner table each night. Of course, we were all very excited to see the final masterpiece. When he brought home his project we were in awe at the detail. Way to go Daniel!! We're so proud of you!!!

Fun times

I'm so grateful the boys enjoy one another's company... at least most of the time. ;-)